Hey everyone! I'm diving into woodworking for the first time, and I'm hoping to build a TV stand that's about 70 inches long with some shelves and dividers. Since this is a rookie project, I want to keep the construction simple by using dowels instead of pocket screws or other advanced techniques. However, I'm trying to find a balance between a budget-friendly dowel jig and one that won't lead to a ton of frustration from misaligned holes. I have a few options in mind: 1. The super cheap Milescraft "DowelJigKit" for $21.99 but I'm worried about the quality. 2. The Milescraft "JointPro" for $56, which might be overpriced for my needs. 3. Just going with pocket holes, which seems to be the popular choice. 4. Or relying only on wood glue. Would love to hear your thoughts and advice!
4 Answers
Honestly, you could skip buying a jig entirely! Just use three blocks the same thickness as your material to create a DIY jig. If you want precision, grab a self-centering drill bit. Mark your drill depth with tape and clamp everything down well. Simple and effective!
For a solid dowel jig without breaking the bank, I recommend checking eBay for a vintage Stanley #59 if you want something reliable. I found a complete one with all the bits for around $50-60, and it outperforms the newer plastic options. Just make sure it has all the necessary parts!
I think the Jessem 3/8 stainless steel doweling jig gives you the best bang for your buck. Also, combining it with pocket screws and glue can give you stronger joints. No need to choose just one method!
If you're considering other options, the JointMaster is worth a look. I went straight from a cheaper plastic jig to the JointMaster, which is all metal, and it's made a big difference. Haven't fully tested it yet, but it looks promising!